There's a reason why we call this genre the blues - a collection of music that is so wrought with emotion, it mirrors our greatest struggles that arise as a result of merely being human. It's powerful, it's bold, and never is it a banal sound, but mercurial and daring. It manages to capture our greatest triumphs, and stories of heartache and pain, creating an effortless vibe through the marriage of instrumental accolades and song lyrics that depict a striking, personal tale.

Shemekia Copeland blends all of the best aspects of the blues together into one funky assembly of sound - bass slapping, the riffs of a grooving guitar, and a whispering snare accompany her velvety vocals. Her rumbling voice shines in tracks off of her recently released album, 33 1/3, such as on "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight," unraveling her vulnerability, yet she is able to command powerhouse ballads such as "Hangin' Up" a song drenched in confidence and pure soul. The album showcases Shemekia's knack for communicating the heartache, the struggle, the raw emotion present in the blues. She's played with the greats; she's shared a stage with the legendary B.B. King, played with Buddy Guy, and headlined our very own Chicago Blues Festival. Shemekia is well on her way to becoming a blues legend that aspiring talents will yearn to share the stage with someday.

If you haven't taken a listen for yourself, she'll be singing over at City Winery on Friday night. This intimate venue will allow Shemekia's vocals to shine - I guarantee a hush will form over the crowd as the audience simply soaks in the experience of the blues, in touch with their emotions and connecting with the reverberating notes, the smooth guitar sounds, and Shemekia's dynamic vocals. Preview the show below and catch a live recording of Shemekia's take on classic blues jam "Dirty Water." The blues is tumultuous and daring, a genre comprised of rumbling, soulful sounds, and Shemekia will bring her unique take on the blues to a sure-to-be impressed crowd.

Shemekia Copeland's show at City Winery begins at 8pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Nicholas Barron will open the show. Tickets are available in three tiers - Reserved for $22, Premier for $25, and VIP for $28. City Winery is located at 1200 West Randolph Street, (312) 733-9463.